Why Gralehaus in Kentucky Is a Must-Visit Brunch Spot in Louisville’s Culinary Scene

There's one intersection in Louisville that's a true hubbub of activity. Where Bardstown Road meets Baxter Avenue and Highland Avenue in the Highlands neighborhood, you can find excellent restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. There's even a post office branch, tattoo parlor, pharmacy, and art gallery. I love this area no matter the season. It's where tourists and locals cross paths, some grabbing coffee on their way to work and others walking to a leisurely meal with friends. When I learned that Gralehaus, a restaurant just off this intersection, served some of the best brunch in Kentucky, I knew I had to visit.

I walked into the Victorian home turned restaurant one late Friday morning. I was thrilled to find free parking spots for Gralehaus customers in the adjacent parking lot; parking can be tricky in this busy area. The restaurant is on the building's first floor and was small, cozy, and bustling. The tables were full of chatty customers, and an employee welcomed me and suggested I sit at the bar. They promptly passed me a menu and a glass of water, explaining that all customers order and pay at the bar's cash register. The brunch menu had incredible options, like Burrata Toast, Ugly Frittata, Smores French Toast, Gralehaus Cheeseburger, and Eggs and Grains. It also served coffee, tea, beer, cocktails, and sweets.

I settled on the Eggs and Grains dish with chilled farro verde, poached eggs, avocado, feta, seasonal veggies, and chimichurri. For good measure, I added an order of the Best Damn Coffee Cake; its description included gooey brown sugar and a crunchy almond streusel top. Who could resist that?

As I waited for my food, I watched the employees behind the bar prepare coffee drinks and pour beers. My fellow diners varied; some were studying or working at the bar, while other groups seemed to be in vacation mode. There was a stairwell near my seat, which I learned led to the Gralehaus Bed and Breakfast. The B&B, just over the restaurant, has three rooms, each accommodating two guests.

When my food arrived, it looked delicious. A layer of farro was topped with poached eggs and colorful toppings like green cucumbers, kale, and pickled red onions. Each ingredient tasted fresh and unique. The coffee cake was humungous, a yellow cake topped with a thick layer of cinnamon streusel. I enjoyed every bite and left no crumb behind.

I highly recommend Gralehaus's brunch to locals or travelers and think it may serve the best brunch in Kentucky. The food was incredible, and the atmosphere was casual and welcoming. Visit its website and Facebook page for more information.

Gralehaus's location is a great jumping-off point for a day of sightseeing or shopping. After eating, you can walk down Bardstown Road to Retroville KY, a vintage clothing shop, or Pitaya, a unique clothing store. It's also a quick drive downtown to the Louisville Slugger Museum or Kentucky Science Center. Viator offers fantastic tours of Louisville's top sights, like a Bourbon Tour or Secrets of Louisville: Food and History Walking Tour in Nulu.